Canadian World Traveller Fall 2017 Issue

36
Shanghai’s History is Really for the Modern Tourist
by Habeeb Salloum
“Do you know the three most famous
things in China?” Quickly, our
Shanghai guide, answered himself.
“Of course, you know the first! It’s the
panda. As for the second, it’s the Sichuan
women and the third are the men of
Shanghai. I’m not kidding! Just look at
me!”
Almost everyone in our group of eleven
snickered. However, his egoistic joke put us
all in a good mood for exploring some of
Shanghai’s historic sites and feeling and
seeing what China was like, during the past
centuries. Today, called the ‘Oriental Pearl,’
it reflects and bridges the new China with its
history.
Not many people when they think of
Shanghai relate this city of just over 24 million
to temples and gardens. Rather it is
usually known for its huge financial transactions,
endless skyscrapers, busy modern
markets and thriving commerce. This is
true, however, the city has much more to
offer.
Hidden within this Dallas of China, the old
part of the city stands as a testimony to
China’s rich history. From here, wealthy
merchants sent their goods to all of Asia
and beyond. The remains of a city where
emperors once strolled still are remarkable
in their lure to tourists and other travellers.
We began our journey in Shanghai’s Old
Town, whose history goes back for at least
one thousand years. Stepping down from
the bus, I was amazed at the exquisite
architecture all around us. The style went
back to the days when the city was first
established.
Of course, the buildings must have been
rebuilt many times, but the original type of
architecture has always been maintained.
Today, this ancient quarter is filled with new
traditional style structures, housing, eatingplaces
and souvenir stores, as well as other
types of shops and stalls. Among the
numerous gems to be found in the old part
of the city are three historic structures:
Yuyuan Gardens, Old City God Temple
(Chenghuang Temple), and the Jade
Buddha Temple, some distance away. The
whole area defuses an aura of a lively
bazaar hopping with activities.